North Melbourne has appointed Ben Amarfio as its new chief executive officer.
Club chairman, Ben Buckley, said Amarfio’s experience at the highest levels of international sports, media and marketing made him a standout candidate.
"2019 was a period of significant change for our club, and now we look to the future with great optimism and excitement with Ben Amarfio at the helm," Buckley said.
“We firmly believe Ben’s expertise and business acumen will help take our club forward in leaps and bounds.
"Under our new leadership structure, which also includes Rhyce Shaw and Brady Rawlings, we have a renewed focus and energy driving us into the future.
“Ben has held positions at some of the highest profile and most dynamic, global sporting organisations in the world and will be a tremendous asset to us."
Amarfio has worked as Executive General Manager - Broadcasting, Digital Media & Commercial at Cricket Australia and was the General Manager of Southern Cross Austereo for more than five years. He previously held a role at the AFL as Broadcasting and Digital Media Manager.
“Ben is a commercially-focused leader that brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Buckley added.
“We look forward to working with him over the journey, and returning this great club to where it belongs at the top of the ladder.”
Amarfio joins a new-look North Melbourne, with Senior Coach, Rhyce Shaw, and Director of Football, Brady Rawlings, also about to embark on their first seasons at the helm at Arden St.
“The future is incredibly exciting and we’re really looking to build on the momentum we gathered in the second half of the season under Rhyce,” Buckley said.
“We have a committed, driven and hungry organisation that wants nothing but success on and off the field.”
Amarfio says he is looking forward to building on the significant gains the club has made in recent years.
“I’m truly honoured to be joining such an amazing organisation,” Amarfio said.
“North Melbourne is one of the proudest clubs in the AFL, with a rich history of more than 150 years. I’m thrilled to be a part of the next exciting chapter.
“I am very optimistic about the opportunities ahead and am looking forward to building relationships and working with a great group of people to achieve success on and off the field.
"I can’t wait to begin delivering results for our members and supporters, and working with all our partners and stakeholders to ensure we continue to grow and thrive together.
“With Rhyce Shaw and Brady Rawlings leading a new coaching panel and a terrific group of talented players, we are well placed for on-field success.
"2019 was an encouraging year for Scott Gowans, Emma Kearney and our AFLW team, and we will be aiming for the ultimate success again.
“The Board, previous CEO Carl Dilena, executive team and administration have done a mighty job and we are perfectly placed to grow even further.”
Amarfio will begin at Arden St on November 19 and will be available to the media on and after that date.
